When you’re entertaining a crowd, it’s tempting beyond measure to break out the disposable cutlery. But there is nothing charming about plastic flatware. It’s not green. It’s not cheap. It doesn’t add a single thing to the dining experience. But how many times do we resort to it when we’re feeding more than a few? There is a nicer, environmentally friendly and inexpensive alternative…mix and match vintage flatware. As a host, it’s as easy to set up as plastic, but more charming by a 1,000,000. And because it’s a set built by serendipity and not carefully collected in the same pattern, if a teaspoon accidentally winds up in the trash instead of the sink, it matters not one fig.
Our favorite to mix and match is vintage silver plate. Unlike sterling flatware, which warrants special handling, washing your silver plated flatware is not all that different than your everyday stainless. It can be washed in the dishwasher as long as you don’t mix in stainless or aluminum (according to Oneida). Hand washing anything is always better for everything, so it’s a good way to go, but it’s not essential.
Where to find vintage mix and match flatware
Part of the fun of a mix and match flatware set is finding the pieces to mix and match. Vintage silver plate flatware of all ages can be found at yard sales, flea markets, consignment shops and thrift shops. If you need it in a hurry, large lots can be found on ebay. Smaller lots can be found on Etsy.
As a rule, matched sets and older more ornate pieces are more expensive. Age doesn’t determine price necessarily. Silver plate from the turn of the century is often less expensive than popular patterns from the 1960s.
If you’re really looking to dial up your table setting, collect pieces with single monograms. Finding that your cutlery spells a word or has your initials would thrill any guest.
How to use mix and match flatware
One of the best things about using mix and match flatware for a buffet are the creative ways you can find to display them. We’re so accustomed to our everyday cutlery and plastic that silver plate seems posh. Stealing a page from the shabby handbook, putting it on your buffet in mason jars, wooden totes or picnic wicker is instantly appealing. Using it to set a table, with or without mix and match china, brings instant eclectic eye appeal.
My Sweet Savannah doubles down on the mason jars for her mix and match flatware, placing them on a rustic cake stand inside the wire frame from a canning kettle.
Food blogger Leah Bergman put together some great mix and match china combos and a blend of sleek modern and ornate flatware to go with it on her blog, Freutcake. We didn’t mention it, but mix and match napkins in the same color family, like a nice neutral, that can take the rough and tumble of the washer and dryer, are another workhorse addition to your entertaining stash.
Vintage goblets, pitchers or spooners gathered on a tray is a great way to serve up flatware as shown by nellhills.com. Antique and vintage spooners, designed for holding flatware, can be quite reasonably priced and are useful pieces for your decorating and entertaining stash.
